Riviera - Follow in the Footsteps of Sky's New Drama

Everyone’s talking about Sky’s brand new drama series ‘Riviera’. A fast-paced thriller set in the South of France, on the surface ‘Riviera’ is seemingly all about the jetset lifestyle. The characters spend their time flitting between glamorous parties, sleek private jets and fabulous villas.

Everybody is dressed in the latest Paris fashions and champagne is the drink of choice. But all is not as it seems and the twists and turns of the exciting plotline will keep you eagerly awaiting the next episode.

Video from Sky Atlantic

The ultimate summer blockbuster

With an all-star cast headed by Anthony LaPaglia and Julia Styles, ‘Riviera’ is the ultimate summer blockbuster. The new 10-part series revolves around the billionaire banker Constantine Clios, his second wife Georgina and his family who live an ultra-luxurious lifestyle on the French Riviera. The characters zip through the azure blue water of the Mediterranean in sleek speed boats and soar over the city skyline during a high-speed helicopter chase. And of course, there are plenty of sumptuous shots of the best locations in the South of France in each and every episode.

Sparkling on-screen locations

From Monaco down to Cannes, the show is filmed on location all over the French Riviera. Each episode contains glossy panoramic shots of the glittering coastline and the rocky Esterel mountains. If you’re a fan of the series, we know you’ll enjoy recreating the ‘Riviera’ experience during your next vacation. So using our expert knowledge of the South of France, we’ve put together a quick guide to some of the most glamorous locations along the coast. Take a look at our recommendations and then discover some of the most sparkling on-screen locations offscreen, while you’re in town.

Majestic Monaco

Majestic Monaco is the setting for one of the most unforgettable scenes during the first episode of ‘Riviera’. And it’s also where the Clios family have a secret pied à terre as we discover during the series. Port Hercule in the centre of the principality is home to an unbelievable line up of gleaming superyachts including Turquoise, the beautiful yacht seen onscreen in ‘Riviera’. Overlooked by fabulous skyscrapers and the ornate Belle Epoque casino, the port is the perfect place for cocktails and a spot of people watching before dinner. Reserve a table in one of the many Michelin starred restaurants along the quayside for a meal to remember. This is definitely Clios territory.

Chic St Jean Cap Ferrat

Part of the Golden Triangle of the Côte d'Azur, chic resort St Jean Cap Ferrat just down the coast from Monaco was also the location for several unforgettable ‘Riviera’ scenes. To follow in Georgina’s footsteps, jump in your supercar and head straight to the Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat. Located right on the tip of the exclusive peninsula, this legendary 5 star palace has played host to the biggest names in the world over the years. Spend an afternoon being pampered at the hotel’s chic spa and then reserve a table on the restaurant terrace to enjoy a fabulous sunset, as seen onscreen in ‘Riviera’ of course.

Beautiful Beaulieu sur Mer

Sitting between St Jean Cap Ferrat and Nice, the magnificent bay of Villefranche needs no introduction to ‘Riviera’ fans. The iconic shot of Georgina standing on a balcony overlooking the crystal clear Mediterranean was filmed in beautiful Beaulieu sur Mer. To recreate her pose, why not visit the stunning Villa Kérylos on the waterfront. This remarkable Grecian museum has a fabulous collection of artwork plus some of the best views on the French Riviera, perfect for gazing out to sea and contemplating your next move... Contemplation over, we recommend spending an afternoon at the exclusive Beaulieu tennis club, as seen in episode 3 of ‘Riviera’. Reserve one of the beautifully-manicured grass courts and enjoy a game in the sunshine surrounded by palm trees, what could be nicer?

Picturesque Villefranche sur Mer

From Beaulieu, take a stroll around the rocky coastal path to neighbouring Villefranche sur Mer and visit the picturesque fishing port which is home to Georgina’s friend Robert in the series. The little village is set against one of the most spectacular backdrops on the French Riviera and is regularly voted one of the most beautiful views in the world. You’ll recognise the cobbled streets and ochre-coloured buildings from several ‘Riviera’ episodes, and the port is the perfect place to stop for a coffee and watch the world go by while you’re in town.

Vibrant Nice

Used as a base by the cast and crew during filming, the vibrant city of Nice was also the setting for many of the key scenes in ‘Riviera’. Head straight to the old town for a whirlwind tour of some of the best ‘Riviera’ moments. The Colline du Château overlooking the Vieille Ville is the perfect place for a walk in the sunshine and home to the Tour Bellenda and the Cimetière du Château. Both locations feature in the first episode of ‘Riviera’ and overlook the colourful Cours Saleya with its daily fruit and flower market.

Place Massena is where the old town meets the modern city and this lovely square is also where Georgina meets the intriguing Nadia during the first season of the show. Leaving the old town behind, head down the Promenade des Anglais as the Mediterranean sparkles in the sunshine. At the end of the ‘Prom’ you’ll find the striking Musée des Arts Asiatiques. Set in a contemporary building surrounded by water, the museum features heavily in one of ‘Riviera’s’ episodes. Stroll around the exhibits and enjoy a little taste of the Far East in the South of France.

Historical Grasse

Further up the coast in the heart of Provence you’ll find the city of Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. Surrounded by lush green hills and overlooking the glittering city of Cannes, historic Grasse has been charming visitors for years. And while the Clios family might be ‘Riviera’s’ central characters, their stunning home in the Grasse hills, the Villa Carmella (as it's known in the series) is the real star of the show. Sundrenched terraces overlook azure blue swimming pools and beautiful Italian gardens surround the ultra-luxurious main house. Villa Carmella provides the setting for many a heated discussion and tense moment in the TV series, but in real life this fabulous Renaissance-style house is not just a lavish television set. It also happens to be one of our most impressive holiday rental properties.

Follow in their footsteps

If you’re a fan of the series, renting out this incredible mansion is a must for your next trip to the French Riviera. Follow in the footsteps of the Clios family and enjoy a taste of their opulent lifestyle in the South of France. Spend your summer lounging by one of the villa’s three pools or strolling in the magnificent gardens complete with water features and Italian sculptures. Once night falls, throw your own magnificent gala or take a chopper to nearby Monaco from one of the villa’s 2 helicopter pads. Spend your evenings partying aboard glamorous superyachts in Monaco with the beautiful people of the Côte d’Azur.

A villa fit for lights, camera and action

With 16 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms, the villa is more than large enough to accommodate an entire cast of characters for the summer while the ultra-luxurious living space is an idyllic holiday setting. And while we can’t guarantee that you’ll uncover a ring of art thieves or come up against any deadly assassins while you’re in town, we can promise that the French Riviera is every bit as sundrenched and luxurious as it appears on-screen. Superyachts, supercars, super models, the South of France has got it all and then some. So this season why not spend your summer following in ‘Riviera’s’ footsteps. Live it up in the South of France in ultra-fabulous style with a stay at TV’s most exceptional location, the 'Villa Carmella'.